Lao Laan Xang
Jia: Located slightly east of the Capitol, Lao Laan Xang (pronounced: la-OW long zang) is unique in that it is one of those restaurants that serves a cuisine found nowhere else in town. Despite the lack of pressure in competition, the restaurant shines in its specialty: Laotian.
The menu at Lao Laan Xang features a variety of curries, stir-fry-like dishes, rice dishes and soups. In addition, there is a four-star spiciness system from one star (timid) to four stars (native Lao). The food is spicier than other restaurants in town, so pick one star lower than you normally would have.
The must-order dish is their curry squash. It is a delicious mix of creamy butternut and acorn squashes with eggplant and zucchini. If you are a little more adventurous, try their house specialties. It is a rarity that a restaurant around here will go out on a limb and serve food with unique ingredients such as tamarind and unripe papaya rather than go with dull, over-sweetened Americanized Asian food. You should avoid is their stir-fry dishes, which are always rather mediocre.
Lao Laan Xang gets four stars for it delicious food and its authentic attitude, so I would highly recommend checking this place out. Both the 3 and 4 buses (and 7 on weekends) go out there in case you don't have a car.
Lena: Lao Laan Xang has loads of delicious vegan dishes. Some favorites are the mock duck and the tofu dish with a variety of mushrooms.
Overall: 4/4
For more information, check out madisonculinaryblogspot.com
